MCAT SCORE!

Holding his breath to find out the big news!

 Brian finally received his MCAT score! Drum Roll Please!

37!

I am SO proud of him! We looked it up and a 37 is in the 98 percentile! That's incredible! Way to go baby on your big accomplishment! Woot! All his studying paid off! :)

And so.... We CELEBRATE!

Day 40! Addresses

     Brian and I made lists and lists of addresses today. I sure hope we don't miss anyone and if we do it is unintentional. I never thought it would be as difficult as it has been to just get addresses and get a count of how many announcements to order. I am so grateful to my mom for taking her time to help us out as well. She has been on the phone with me time after time and I know I wouldn't be able to plan anything without her help.
     We were sitting in the library and I was making a numbered list when I experienced writers cramp. Who gets writers cramp from typing and deleting stuff? It was so painful too. Literally I didn't know what to do to make my hand feel better. It was this weird tingling feeling all the way up my arm in which to twist my wrist made pain just shoot up. I kept telling Brian that it felt like I had a weird nerve being pinched. Man was it a crazy feeling and one I never hope to repeat! It was numb for about an hour before I could get back to wedding stuff and studying!
     Brian has been deep into study of the MCAT for the past few weeks. He is planning on taking a practice MCAT test tomorrow (they are about 5 hour tests) and so he was reviewing like crazy all night. That kid is so stinking smart. He blows me out of the water. Sometime I'll ask a dumb question like, "I wonder where this got it's name" or "I wonder how they make this?" And he'll elaborate into a huge explanation to describe it. He's a deep thinker and just has an answer to pretty much everything. It causes me to constantly be learning when I'm with him and that is something I need and love!

What can you do in a year?

Can you spot me?

     Did you know it was a year ago today that I graduated from Weber High school? Do you want to know something even crazier?! In one year I've:

• Entered College
• Became an aunt in July and then an aunt to 5 more last week! 
• Worked as nanny
• Received my first official A-
• Found my future husband
• Got married! 

(Okay so it doesn't look like much, and I had to throw in the A- to make mine look longer compared to Brian's

But still.. Graduating, Going to College, and Getting Married is some big stuff to do in one year)

    It's been 5 years since Brian graduated. Weird I know, sometimes I wonder if he ever did graduate. :) In five years he's:

• Entered College
• Served a mission in South Africa
• Owned his own business
• Worked at Coldstone and Target
• Knocked on the door of his future wife
• Got married!
• Taken the MCAT and applied for Medical School
• Stayed Ridiculously-Good-Looking

Day 66! WinterWONDERland!

     We woke up this morning to a blizzard outside our house. I was suppose to drive down to North Ogden to see my friend Becca Tanner to order books and run some errands but due to how bad the weather was we decided to stay home. It was a good choice because we played games and watched Inception (Great show!) and even studied a bit... Well, Brian did--for the MCAT. I went to the post office in the morning only to find out that all along I was missing my birth certificate because my last passport was issued when I was underage. So I had to go back home and wait til one to go back and finish the application and send it in. Later at one I went back, paid, and sent it in. Once home I could finally relax. It was done and submitted so I was free. And then the post office called back to tell me that I had "forgotten" to pay. Ha! My fault to forget? I had paid.. a fee of $25. Now I had to go back for the third time to pay for the actually passport.. $110! My money is being sucked from me like a vacuum that is for sure!
    Anyway, Life is wonderful and Brian and I are so happy together. I constantly am singing to myself the song by Brad Paisley, "Then" where throughout the song he names different points of his life where he thought he loved his wife then but found the love to grow stronger throughout time. I know Brian and I still have a lot more time to go but I can already feel the love growing. I am loving him more and more every day and I know that this is right! It's been confirmed so many times that I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever! The church is true! We feel our Father in Heaven's presence in our relationship, helping it to become stronger. I can't wait to be sealed to this amazing young man for time and all eternity!

Day 39! Bachelor Night

     Sadly, the weather was playing tricks on me. I woke up this morning thinking I could actually wear a light jacket  today! Nature had something else in store. Snow. Change of outfit and it was off to school! The temperature still is pretty warm, even with snow on the ground. I hope it will melt fast!
     My roommate Ashley left today down to Salt Lake because her older sister is having a baby! So exciting! It's been a scary pregnancy for her because at one point they thought they had lost the baby because she wasn't growing right. She is actually due next month but they feel it's safer to get the baby out now. Many prayers go out to them right now from our apartment, wishing them the best. What a cute aunt Ashley will make. Babies are so fun, especially nieces! (Not that I have any nephews to compare yet!)
     Even though Brian is no longer a Bachelor, that doesn't stop him from watching it with my roommates and me. He might say he doesn't like it, but I think he is just as drawn to it as we are.

 

    Brian, my roommates, and I find the drama and suspense pretty thrilling to watch as the girls fight for Brad's attention. Paha! What a way to find love right? I swear every girl cries on that show and it's pretty darn hilarious. We all decided on one girl that we all love and think should win. If any of you watch the show at all, I'm sure you'll agree with us. Emily! Cutest and saddest story ever! Her husband died in a plane crash and a week later she found out she was pregnant with their daughter. She seems the most genuine and sweet.

      Anyway, enough about the bachelor! Brian will never have to worry about that again! He's stuck with me now! Muhahaha! :) He took his practice MCAT today and did very well. He got an 84% which is wonderful. He still has a lot to study about but at least he is progressing. He got done each test with a lot of time left which at least means he is answering all the questions and at least attempting them. He will do excellent when the time actually comes for him to take the real test. He's just amazing like that!

Be Honest, Kind, and Silly

"Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we're on our knees but while we're on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone's prayer, we often find the answer to our own."

-President Dieter F Uchtdorf 

     Since writing the post about my miscarriage, I have had some incredible experiences. I never thought that something so sad could turn into such a blessing as it has. I am so grateful for the people I have had a chance to talk to and hear of their experience. In return I have been able to bear my testimony of my Savior and the comfort I have felt that has only come through Him. Many people have shared stories with me that weren't necessarily about losing a child, but about other life experiences. I think our experiences-no matter how different-can really be used to help lift each other up and help others find strength. While helping and encouraging others I have truly found the answers to my prayers.
    I am grateful for a loving husband and a wonderful family who loves me and supports me. I am grateful for the friends that surround me and often become my family away from family. A sweet lady commented on my post and shared this beautiful quote with me:

"First, please know that grief is the natural by-product of love. One cannot selflessly love another person and not grieve at his suffering or eventual death. The only way to avoid the grief would be to not experience the love; and it is love that gives life its richness and meaning. Hence, what a grieving parent can expect to receive from the Lord in response to earnest supplication may not necessarily be an elimination of grief so much as a sweet reassurance that, whatever his or her circumstances, one’s child is in the tender care of a loving Heavenly Father."

~Lance B. Wickman

     I am grateful for the comfort this sweet quote brought to me. So thank you to all who have supported and loved me. I pray that you will continue to do what you have done for me to others because I don't think we realize how much it may mean to them.

       This new year has flashed passed me before I have really grasped the fact that it is really 2014! But we are excited for everything this new year will bring! Below are some of my goals for this coming year.

A bad habit I am going to break

-Stop Complaining

A new skill I would like to learn

-Sewing

A person I hope to be more like:

-My Grandpa Johansen who taught to always enjoy the journey

A good deed I am going to do

-Look for the good in everyone and everything

A place I would like to visit

-New York City

A book I would like to Read

-The Miracle of Forgiveness

A Letter I am going to write

-Thank you notes to all who have inspired me

A new recipe I am going to make

-homemade hummus

I'm going to do better at

-being positive

    

   This winter has proven to be the coldest winter Chicago has seen in over 30 years. I have never been so grateful for the invention of a snuggie! I want to wear it all the time! We've had to be creative on what we can do indoors since outside is a bit out of question!

    Did you know that Brian and I are big gamers? We LOVE games as you can probably tell from the picture below!

     For Vaentine's day we did our traditional fondue. Sadly, I was super duper sick and so we couldn't do much for that day and the week or so after. I think the last time I was that sick it was right when we moved here to Chicago in August of 2012! So I had it coming I guess!

    I have loved getting letters and emails from this boy! It has been one of the most amazing opportunities for me to watch him grow through writing and his experiences in Seattle. He is such a great example to me and he works so hard out there. I love this boy SO much!

     So remember a couple years ago (3 to be exact) when I thought the MCAT test (which would allow us to get into Medical School) was tough? Well that is nothing compared to Brian's next big exam called Step 1 or Boards exam that will determine if he gets to choose what kind of doctor he will be. This test is coming up quickly! Brian will be taking it June 12! So 3 more months left! We're getting ready to do A LOT of air kisses as he starts studying and working hard so he can do well!

   Life is moving along nicely. We are learning to love all the little things-even the weather because it makes us be a bit more creative. Our anniversary is coming up-3 years! Woah! 

Day 61! Working, Painting, & Playing!

    I don't know if I have ever mentioned my job, but I'm a nanny for two little girls, Morgan (5 years old) and Madison (9 years old). Both are so fun to watch and we always have a blast. I have watched these girls for a few years now and it's been fun to see them grow up. I've always told everyone that a nanny is the best job that a girl at my age can have because of the responsibility and patience one learns that will further prepare one for marriage and motherhood. I've really enjoyed what I do. Anyway, so today I had the opportunity to go watch Morgan and Madison and what a day! We played house and watched a movie, and painted pictures and made music videos... things that I hope to do with my children someday.


This is the only picture I had of them on this computer. It's from this last summer when we went swimming!

    Brian also worked selling insulation and he also studied more for the MCAT. I drove down to his house and got there about 8 and then we both got in old paint clothes (I had to wear some of his) and we went over to a family friend's house to help paint her kitchen. It was wonderful to be able to serve someone and have fun doing it at the same time!

Marriage Journal: 4 YEARS OLD!

     Sometimes time seems to just stand still in my little world, but then I look up and 4 years have passed since we were sealed for time and all eternity. Woah! What have we been doing the last 4 years? (In no particular order) We've been...
-Adopting a Bunny-that multiplied with 9 more
-Became a True Aggie
-Taking the MCAT
-Worked in an orphanage in Mexico
-Visited Utah lots
-Invaded by squirrels 
-Lots of at-home date nights!
-Graduating from Utah State University together
-Lost my dear cousin Jared
-Getting accepted to Medical School
-Moving to Chicago
-Chopped my hair off
-Brian getting "Cloaked" in the White Coat Ceremony
-Working as a nanny to 3 different families
-Welcomed a cat into our home
-Traveled, Trips, Treats,
-Miscarried our sweet baby
-Made Family Music Videos
-Found my new love for apple picking 
-Visiting all the temples in Utah in one go!
-Did the Disney thing-twice!
-Cruised the bahamas
-Found out we were expecting!
-Said goodbye to my Grandpa Johansen
-Explored, Kayaked,
-Gave Birth to our baby girl Lydia
-Sent my brother James to Seattle to serve an LDS mission
-Blessed our baby girl
-Surrived my first night of motherhood
-Now have a 5 month old baby!

    And I could probably go on and on and on with all the things we have done in the last 4 years but this list is a fun flashback for me to glimpse through. Though the events of my life haven't gone the way I had dreamed or planned-I am happy with where we are right now, 4 years later-living in Chicago, in our 3rd year of Medical School, and holding my baby girl. Time has been good to us and helped us to grow, learn, and gain a stronger testimony of our Savior and God's plan for us. We are happy and we love right now.
    Adding more to our Marriage Journal is always fun for me-especially to talk about the next part of our lives. Here are my latest entries. I love to look back through these, even just at the pictures and be reminded of our adventures together. We have many many more to come and that excites me even more.

4 years together with 4-ever to go!!

What's Up With The Larson's?

What are the lovely Larson's up to lately? I've been wondering that myself. :)

Brian and Anna Larson...

 LOVE to do weird things...

LOVE what their leaky apartment has done for decorating!

LOVE when Anna does fun stuff with her nails! (They're Sally Hansen Brand and SO fun! Try them!)

LOVE to do weird things!

LOVE to make and eat the home cooked meals!

LOVE to take naps whenever possible!

LOVE to feed the Ducks when Anna's homemade rolls taste and smell like rubber!

LOVE when Brian brings home flowers for me! :)

LOVE once again.. the leaky wall's mold!

Did I mention do weird things?!

    Brian takes the MCAT test on the 20th of this month.. meaning NEXT FRIDAY! Yeah, we're nervous! He's been studying like crazy! I feel like that's all he does. Eat, Sleep, Study. Luckily, we find a little room here and there to do some fun stuff as shown from above! Just living life to the fullest!

New Year!

 Our kiss at midnight!

 

Our Top 10 Highlights of 2011

1. Sealed in the Salt Lake Temple
2. Score of 37 on the MCAT
3. Our trips to a beach house in California, Disneyland, and our Caribbean Cruise
4. Moving into the Logan 29th Ward (We LOVE our ward here!)
5. The births of our two new nephews Aiden and Trae
6. All my new equipment with glitter nails, painting, and photography
7. Being so close to family and friends (Next year we won't have that)
8. The blessings, love, and support that has surrounded my cousin Jared's death
9. Acceptance to The Chicago Medical School
10. Celebrating our marriage of 9 months which is equivalent to 43 weeks which is equivalent to 302 days which is equivalent to 7,248 hours which is equivalent to 434,913 minutes which is equivalent to 26,094,838 seconds. But who's counting?!

    2011 was a great year for Brian and me. We really have so much to be grateful for! I am so excited for this upcoming year as so many adventures will unfold! Happy New Year!

Ah Yes, Medical School

Yay! Brian took the MCAT test today!

No more of all that crazy studying!

    I'm so proud of him! He studied and worked so hard to prepare for that test! It's in the Lord's hands now! We'll find out his score in about 6 weeks! Ah the nerves! :) The next step will be the applications! His plan is to be done applying by June 1. So he still has some work to do in the next couple weeks! I'm just thankful that the hardest part is over! Let summer begin!

 

Just because I thought it was funny.. Who doesn't love Brian Regan?

Brian soon to be husband

   Brian J Larson was born on August 16, 1988. He is 22 years old and as crazy as ever! When I went to his ward and met the people there I was told, "Brian was born with a smile" and I really believe it! That kid DOES NOT STOP SMILING! I had the opportunity to go with his family over fall break to St. George to go boating at Sand Hallow Dam and there was Brian on the back of the boat, slaloming and just smiling away. When he finally came in the boat he turned to me and said, "My teeth are SO cold!" I just had to laugh. Brian is a people-person. Anyone and everyone he meets always just loves being around him. He is very skilled in talking with people and never has to really try to get a job because immediately he gives off a very confident air and employers just can't wait to have him. I still think it's his smile that gets people to like him so much. (It's always said that a girl marries someone most like her dad, well, for many reasons he is very much like my dad) Brian loves to snowboard.. but he'll have to convert to skiing to be apart of the Kendell clan. :) He is HUGE into boating where he is really good at wake boarding and slaloming He loves to be outdoors which is definitely a plus on my list and is very active, especially when he goes mountain biking.     

    The Larson Family is definitely one that I am so excited to be apart of. Brian is the fourth of five. His parents Craig and Laurie are absolutely adorable! I can't wait to be their daughter-in-law. His oldest sister Sarah is married to Brett Johnson and they have two little boys Hunter and Kyler and she is pregnant with her third. Next in line is Brian's brother Mike who is married to Robyn Sampson and they have an adorable little girl Esther and she is pregnant with another little boy. After is Curtis and he is in Pennsylvania in Medical school. Brian's youngest sister Amanda is up at Utah State with us. (She and I are three days apart.) Every time I've had the opportunity to be with his family I can't get enough. They are all so funny and very friendly.

Sarah, Mike, Curtis, Brian, Amanda

    Brian is going doing Pre-med at Utah State University and will graduate with his bachelor's degree in Biology next year. He is taking the MCAT to get into Medical school this Spring in May. As you can probably already guess, he is a super hard worker. He enjoys being busy and productive. He hates sleeping in late and doesn't like days where he just relaxes because he doesn't feel like he has accomplished anything. This quality definitely reminds me of my Dad quite a bit. Brian is very smart as well, he's the kind of kid we all hated in school that would never have to study for the tests but just walk in, take the test, and get better than those that worked their butts off.
    Brian went on his mission to Johannesburg, South Africa from Oct 2007-Oct 2009. I love hearing about his mission stories because they are just so unique! His dream honeymoon---he tells me-- would be to go back to South Africa and see everyone from his mission. (Again--just like my dad) Brian actually served in Johannesburg at the same time that my sister Camille and her husband Ben lived there. Ironic? My Grandpa Johansen and Uncle Blake also served in South Africa and my Brother-in-Law Ben served in Mozambique. The continent of Africa just seems to run in my family! Brian fits right in!

Day 83! About Bri-Guy

    Brian and I have been VERY busy calling people and telling them the big news. We had an interview with our Bishop this morning where we told him the big news and he was SO excited that he announced it in the middle of our relief society lesson on the sacrament. Ha! We got a lot of attention at church, more than I ever imagined.. but then again I guess it is a single's ward and we were the advertisement to get married.

Day 84: All about Brian

   Brian J Larson was born on August 16, 1988. He is 22 years old and as crazy as ever! When I went to his ward and met the people there I was told, "Brian was born with a smile" and I really believe it! That kid DOES NOT STOP SMILING! I had the opportunity to go with his family over fall break to St. George to go boating at Sand Hallow Dam and there was Brian on the back of the boat, slaloming and just smiling away. When he finally came in the boat he turned to me and said, "My teeth are SO cold!" I just had to laugh. Brian is a people-person. Anyone and everyone he meets always just loves being around him. He is very skilled in talking with people and never has to really try to get a job because immediately he gives off a very confident air and employers just can't wait to have him. I still think it's his smile that gets people to like him so much. (It's always said that a girl marries someone most like her dad, well, for many reasons he is very much like my dad) Brian loves to snowboard.. but he'll have to convert to skiing to be apart of the Kendell clan. :) He is HUGE into boating where he is really good at wake boarding and slaloming He loves to be outdoors which is definitely a plus on my list and is very active, especially when he goes mountain biking.     

    The Larson Family is definitely one that I am so excited to be apart of. Brian is the fourth of five. His parents Craig and Laurie are absolutely adorable! I can't wait to be their daughter-in-law. His oldest sister Sarah is married to Brett Johnson and they have two little boys Hunter and Kyler and she is pregnant with her third. Next in line is Brian's brother Mike who is married to Robyn Sampson and they have an adorable little girl Esther and she is pregnant with another little boy. After is Curtis and he is in Pennsylvania in Medical school. Brian's youngest sister Amanda is up at Utah State with us. (She and I are three days apart.) Every time I've had the opportunity to be with his family I can't get enough. They are all so funny and very friendly.

Sarah, Mike, Curtis, Brian, Amanda

    Brian is going doing Pre-med at Utah State University and will graduate with his bachelor's degree in Biology next year. He is taking the MCAT to get into Medical school this Spring in May. As you can probably already guess, he is a super hard worker. He enjoys being busy and productive. He hates sleeping in late and doesn't like days where he just relaxes because he doesn't feel like he has accomplished anything. This quality definitely reminds me of my Dad quite a bit. Brian is very smart as well, he's the kind of kid we all hated in school that would never have to study for the tests but just walk in, take the test, and get better than those that worked their butts off.
    Brian went on his mission to Johannesburg, South Africa from Oct 2007-Oct 2009. I love hearing about his mission stories because they are just so unique! His dream honeymoon---he tells me-- would be to go back to South Africa and see everyone from his mission. (Again--just like my dad) Brian actually served in Johannesburg at the same time that my sister Camille and her husband Ben lived there. Ironic? My Grandpa Johansen and Uncle Blake also served in South Africa and my Brother-in-Law Ben served in Mozambique. The continent of Africa just seems to run in my family! Brian fits right in!